Buds in Scrubs: Lisa Pham

“My name is Lisa Pham and I work in the Sibling Play Area as a Child Life Associate. I started out as a volunteer back in 2009 and started my job in June 2011.”

2. Favorite thing to do outside of work?

“I’m such a foodie. I love to go search for new foods at restaurants. Other hobbies include cooking, movies, hanging with family and friends, kickboxing, karaoke, and snowboarding. Also, I plan to purchase a bike this summer to explore the wonderful trails that the Twin Cities has to offer. I would love to travel the world, but that’s not ideal quite yet. Someday. J ”

3. Do you have any kids or pets of your own?

“As a kid, I had a dog, a rabbit and a crawfish (ha!) as pets. Currently, I do not have any pets or kids of my own. But, I get the pleasure of being able to play with my niece (Chloe) and my sibling’s Yorkies (Foxie and Shiloh)…and return them back whenever I want!”

4. What is your favorite book and/or movie?

“Ah, sooo many movies to choose from. I love action, suspense, and comedy movies. One of my favorite movies would have to be “Bad Boys I & II.”

5. Who was your hero as a kid?

“My parents were my heroes and still are! I appreciate what my parents have done for me and wish to return the favor ten times more in the future.”

6. Who is your hero now?

“My parents!”

7. If you could create a new candy bar, what would be in it and what would you name it?

“I would somehow fuse cookies, toffee, caramel, almonds, pistachios, and dark chocolate together with a bit of sea salt on top. I would name it ‘Choconutties.’”

8. What do you love most about your job at Children’s?

“I get to enjoy the presence of all the awesome volunteers and siblings who come from different walks of life. Plus, I have a fantastic view in the Sibling Play Area while they hang out with me.”

9. Share a work experience involving volunteers:

“Volunteers rock! I couldn’t do my job without them. There was one situation where I had a child who was blind checked-in under my care, while Mom went to take care of things. When she left, I guided him to some of the toys and allowed him to feel it. I sensed the child’s frustration since he was in a totally different setting than what he is used to. I asked the volunteer to bring out the instrument bin, which included bells, maracas, triangles, and etc. She laid the instruments all on the floor and played with each one to introduce him to it. He tilted his head sideways every time she rang a bell. The volunteer saw his reaction and put the bell in his hand. He then proceeded to ring each bell himself to put them in order, from lowest to highest pitch. The volunteer was so patient and kind to the child. Next thing you know, they were having a blast and jammin’ together with the bells. It was great to see the child being able to enjoy himself and just be a kid! Love it!”

Thank you, Lisa, for your constant support and encouragement with our volunteers!

3 Responses to “Buds in Scrubs: Lisa Pham”

Lisa, you are a terrific asset to Children’s. What a nice story about the volunteer! Thanks again for your supporting acting role in the commercial for Children’s libraries which is seen every day on Channel 13.

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